Dubai, UAE, March 8, 2017

Dubai won the bid to host the World Congress of Cardiology & Cardiovascular Health 2018, after competing with countries and cities that include Cape Town, Singapore and Korea.

His Excellency Humaid Al Qatami, Chairman of the Board and Director General of the DHA made the announcement during a press conference held on Wednesday at the DHA headquarters in the presence of officials, doctors and specialists.

The congress, which will take place on December 5-8, 2018 at the Dubai World Trade Center, is a global interactive event that aims to promote cardiovascular health by uniting cardiovascular disease specialists with other disciplines to network, share knowledge and build innovative solutions for patients and populations.

Al Qatami said that winning the bid to host the congress is a confirmation to the global status of Dubai especially in the field of the health.

Al Qatami added that Dubai won the bid to host the event not only due to the world-class health services it offers and its geographical location but also the notable advancements and developments of health care in the city and the substantial number of international accreditation its facilities has gained.

The President of the World Heart Federation Professor David Wood said “The 2018 congress will focus on prevention with the global objective of reducing premature mortality by reducing the burden of non-communicable diseases by 25 per cent by 2020.” 

The event is expected be attended by 8,000 to 10,000 specialists and will see more than 200 scientific sessions on cardiovascular health and cardiology practices.
The World Congress of Cardiology & Cardiovascular Health 2018 will also provide an interactive programme designed to respond to the needs of professionals

Issam Kazim, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), said: “Dubai proved to be a successful host of the World Congress of Cardiology in 2012, and it is a testament to the emirate’s reputation as a strong business events destination that the congress is returning so soon. The event will bring thousands of additional visitors to Dubai and further enhance its status as a knowledge hub. Dubai Business Events, the city’s official convention bureau, will assist the World Heart Federation, Dubai Health Authority and other key stakeholders in planning for the event in 2018 and ensuring it leaves a strong legacy.”

Dr Fahad Baslaib, the Director of the cardiovascular department in Rashid Hospital said that the conference is going to be organized by DHA, Emirates Cardiac Association and Gulf Heart Association with the support of the Dubai Government and Emirates Medical Association.

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For further information, please contact:
Mahmoud Al Ali 
Head of Media
Dubai Health Authority 
myalali@dha.gov.ae
+9714 219 7260

Kamakshi Gupta and Noor Nazzal
Communications Analysts- Media Dept.
Dubai Health Authority 
Klgupta@dha.gov.ae  
NNNazzal@dha.gov.ae
+9714 2197455

About the Dubai Health Authority: 
The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) was created, in June 2007, by Law 13 issued by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai, with an expanded vision to include strategic oversight for the complete health sector in Dubai and enhance private sector engagement. His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance is the President of the DHA and His Excellency Humaid Mohammed Obaid Al Qatami is the Chairman of the Board and Director-General of the DHA.

The DHA’s aim in Dubai is to provide an accessible, effective and integrated healthcare system, protect public health and improve the quality of life within the Emirate. This is a direct translation of the objectives of the Dubai Strategic Plan 2015 launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Keeping the strategic plan in mind, the DHA’s mission is to ensure access to health services, maintain and improve the quality of these services, improve the health status of nationals, residents and visitors and oversee a dynamic, efficient and innovative health sector.

In addition to overseeing the health sector for the Emirate of Dubai, the DHA also focuses on providing services through DHA healthcare facilities including hospitals (Latifa, Dubai, Rashid and Hatta), specialty centres (e.g. the Dubai Diabetes Center) and DHA primary health centres spread throughout the Emirate of Dubai.

The main pillars of service delivery at DHA health facilities are quality, efficiency, patients and staff.  It is our aim to maintain and improve the quality and efficiency of DHA health services. An important aspect of the service delivery strategy is to focus on patients, their needs and satisfaction as well as attract, retain, nurture and support outstanding staff.

Prior to the establishment of the DHA, the Department of Health and Medical Services (DOHMS), which was established in 1973, was the functioning authority that almost exclusively focused on health service delivery.

© Press Release 2017